Nov18, 2006, Silver basin (Crystal mt area)
11/18/06
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
4430
3
Nice sunny day for a tour. 5 of us Dorothea,Karin ,Jody Jeff and myself met and debated where to go at my house. We were not expecting much as there had been no new "promised " snow. Arrived Crystal and skinned up left side to Silver basin. snow in the basin was crust over unconsolidated. The lighter members did better but basically it sucked. the cat track has not been pushed into the basin as yet. Best skiing was on the return from top of quicksilver cat track which along with high Campell was not open. 1cm surface hoar from the previous night. Light winds working on hoar in open areas. Warm rain transitiioning to cold dump would be appreciated.
Casino Royal might be a better choice for Sunday! (non paid disclosure)
Casino Royal might be a better choice for Sunday! (non paid disclosure)
Wolfs and I went to Silver basin on Saturday as well. Higher up in the basin, the crust was mostly boiler plate...so we could generally ski without the dreaded "breaking on through...and tumbling". We went over silver col and down to crystal lakes. The sun on the slopes produced slight softening and slightly better skiing. The views were great and it was good to be out.
Saturday was definitely the day to be out. Sunday was wet and miserable. Camped Sat night up near goat lake/big crow basin. Skinning up wasn't too bad. Didn't get too many turns in on the way down though. Got home, dried off and went and saw Casino Royale. Which is worth seeing.
There ya go! Two who turned lemons into lemonade. Thanks for keeping the faith !
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